Show All Answers

1. What is the typical outcome of mediation?

Mediation has a very high sucess rate - a recent national study shows that around 70% of mediated disputes reach a settlement.  Even when a dispute is not settled in mediation, key issues are identified and some may be resolved.

2. When should I mediate?

The best time to mediate is before an issue escalates to litigation. Mediation is obviously more cost effective before a lawsuit, but it can be used before, during or after court proceedings. Mediation can also be used as a preventative measure for conflicts that won’t lead to litigation, but have significant emotional cost.

3. How much time will mediation take?

Mediation sessions are typically 2-3 hours. Complex issues and multiple parties may require more than one session.

4. How much will mediation cost?

Professional mediation services are offered on a sliding scale rate per party and per session. Payment from both parties is required to schedule a mediation. A typical mediation will require one 2-3 hour session. Complex issues and multiple parties may require more than one session. For cases that are particularly complex and difficult to schedule, PDR may charge a case development fee. Please contact PDR for specific case fees.

5. What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?

In both mediation and arbitration, the parties bring their dispute to a third party. In arbitration, the parties communicate only with the arbitrator, and the arbitrator decides what should happen. In mediation, the parties speak with the mediator and each other. The mediator does not decide what should happen, but assists the participants to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

6. What if the other side is reluctant to agree to mediate?

It is difficult to know whether a party will agree to something until they are asked. Given that the alternatives are lengthy, stressful and expensive, people tend to be very agreeable to the idea of mediation. In some cases, hearing the request from a neutral third party makes it easier to accept the idea of mediation.

In cases where the other party doesn't agree to mediate, PDR can offer you conflict coaching services to help you navigate the situation. Note that this is not a substitute for legal advice or advocacy. 

7. What if the other party is reluctant to reach a settlement?

It is much easier to maintain unreasonable positions in arguments and letters than it is in person with an impartial 3rd party present. Once a party enters into mediated dialogue, polarization and extreme positions tend to fall away and progress toward a reasonable settlement follows.

8. How can mediation work if the other side is mean spirited, unreasonable, and we just can’t talk to each other?

Successful mediation does not depend on parties being reasonable, friendly, or even on talking terms. If both parties agree to mediate, they have a great chance to achieve a settlement. With years of experience negotiating complex issues, PDR's mediators have successfully resolved seemingly impossible conflicts between the most impossible parties. 

9. What if we just can't be in the same room?

The parties do not have to be in the same room to achieve a resolution. In PDR's volunteer work for the Superior Court, they have resolved matters where the parties were under court order to not have contact with the other. As trained mediators, PDR can use a process called caucusing (or “shuttle diplomacy”) where they keep the parties in separate rooms and meet privately with each party. Caucusing may be used for some or all of a mediation session.

10. Will mediation work if I don't want to compromise?

Mediation is not a process of universal compromise or convincing one side to give in to the other. Mediation promotes understanding and generates agreement opportunities that neither party could create independently. PDR understands that parties will often have differing perspectives and seemingly unresolvable positions.

11. Is an agreement reached in mediation enforceable?

A written mediated agreement signed by all parties is enforceable in the same manner as any other written contract. In fact, mediated settlements are less likely to return to conflict because the agreement is made by both parties instead of being imposed on them.

12. Who are mediation services available to?

Placer Dispute Resolution offers mediation, training and conflict coaching services to those who live in, or own property or a business in Placer County.

13. Where does Placer Dispute Resolution mediate?

PDR has a dedicated mediation space at the Placer County Public Defender's offices located at: 3785 Placer Corporate Drive, Rocklin, CA 95765

They also have an office in Tahoe City located at: 925 Northlake Blvd Suite B203, Tahoe City, CA 95730

Occasionally, PDR  may use other meeting spaces in Placer County. Where appropriate, we can also meet at a place of your choosing.

An in-person mediation is preferable, but in situations where it is not practical, virtual mediation services utilizing Zoom videoconferencing are offered. 

14. How do I make a mediation happen?

If you are interested in using mediation to work out a solution that has eluded you, all you need to do is call Placer Dispute Resolution at (916) 234-0045. You can also email them at: [email protected]

You will be asked about the dispute, go over various options for inviting the other person to participate, and guided through the next steps.